Hands-on leadership and involvement in the Youth and Children’s Ministry areas of the church

Emphasis is placed on ensuring a connectional and comprehensive approach to the development, coordination, and implementation of youth and children ministries areas of Divine Street United Methodist Church consistent with United Methodist Church doctrine, theology, principles, and guidelines

Participate in the development and selection of programs and curriculum to ensure a comprehensive approach to the ongoing spiritual development

Reports to Pastor for spiritual and ministry guidance and general administrative supervision Evaluated annually by the Pastor and the Staff Parish Relations Committee

Responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and general love and care of youth and children

Maintains confidentiality as outlined in the signed confidentiality agreement

Position Responsibilities - Youth Ministry

Primary Tasks – The comprehensive approach to youth ministries at Divine Street United Methodist Church is based on the primary task of youth ministry to:

Love youth where they are

Encourage them in developing their relationship to God

Provide them with opportunities for nurture and growth

Challenge them to respond to God’s call to serve in their communities

Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement an effective and comprehensive youth ministry designed to promote the spiritual growth of youth in grades 6-12 through fellowship, worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach in a fun, open, and inviting setting

Lead and direct Sunday and Wednesday evening youth programming, curriculum, and activities

Recruit, direct and coordinate efforts of adult volunteers

Coordinate worship opportunities for youth, including but not limited to Youth Sunday

Plan and coordinate fellowship opportunities outside of church walls with the Lay Youth Ministries Coordinator and youth family members

Plan and coordinate mission and outreach opportunities with Lay Youth Ministries Coordinator and youth family members

Design and maintain effective communication programs with youth and families of youth through regular communications using a variety of methods, including but not limited to electronic communication (email, text, social media, and Church website), face to face meetings, and quarterly parent meetings.Coordinate regular timely updates to youth’s section of the website

Promote youth participation in UMYF

Promote and maintain cooperation between youth ministry and the total ministry of the church

Mentor youth and provide youth opportunities to develop leadership skills with the church and community

Encourage community outreach through outings and participation in special programs and projects

Coordinate fundraisers with lay Youth Ministries Coordinator and youth family members to maximize youth ministry opportunities

Participate with and support youth with visits or through attendance at certain relevant events (sporting events, musicals, etc.) outside the church setting

Coordinate and teach Confirmation classes in partnership with the pastor and provide leadership for confirmands, mentors, and parents beyond the classroom

Give direction to the youth council in planning and providing meaningful programs and recreation

Help to prepare the Youth Representative to Church Council for monthly Council meetings

Special Activities

Planning and execution of special trips and activities

Direction of youth worship experiences

Directions of special presentations or study groups

Work with director of music in coordinating programs for youth

Position Responsibilities - Children's Ministry

Primary Tasks – The comprehensive approach to children’s ministries at Divine Street United Methodist Church is based on the primary task of children’s ministry to:

Provide children and their families the opportunity to actively participate in the life of the church

Faithful formation of children as they journey as disciples of Jesus Christ

Create experiences that support children in the knowledge and awareness of God

Provide opportunities that support children in discovering, developing, and sharing their unique gifts from God.

Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement an effective and comprehensive children’s ministry to promote faith formation for children by offering opportunities, resources, and experiences for children in a fun, open, and inviting setting

Recruit, direct and coordinate efforts of adult volunteers

Design and maintain effective communication programs with children and families of children through regular communications using a variety of methods, including but not limited to electronic communication (email, text, social media, and Church website), face to face meetings, and quarterly parent meetings.Coordinate regular timely updates to children’s section of the website

Engage the children of the church through direct participation in ministerial opportunities such as Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, Children’s sermons with the goal of supporting the ministry of our children to facilitate the transition between children’s ministry and youth ministry

Participate in the development and selection of curriculum for children for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible studies (including but not limited to Sunday/Wednesday nights) with the lay Children’s Ministries Coordinator to ensure materials selected are age appropriate and provide a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth consistent with United Methodist Church doctrine and theology

Plan and coordinate children’s activities with lay Children’s Ministries Coordinator which engage children and children’s families

Recruit and lead VBS director, leaders, youth assistants, and volunteers

Assist in scheduling and organizing

Serve as resource person for volunteers

Miscellaneous Activities

Attend Sunday worship and Wednesday evening activities

Assist in planning of special and seasonal church programs as they relate to children and youth

Be mindful of and work toward inclusivity of those youth and children with special needs

Work collaboratively and in concert with the gifts and talents of other staff members and volunteers while maintaining a teamwork mentality

Attend and participate in Church staff meetings, Church Council, and other groups as needed

Maintain high visibility with the DSUMC congregation

Represent DSUMC at United Methodist District and Conference events

Encourage and support youth involvement in conference, regional, national youth events

Explore and coordinate possible inter-church activities with other churches in the community/region

Maintain the Safe Sanctuary policies of DSUMC - ensure all activities are in compliance with Safe Sanctuary policy of the church in join effort with the lay Youth Ministries Coordinator and lay Children’s Ministries Coordinator

Complete other tasks as deemed appropriate by the pastor or the Staff Parish Relations Committee

Skills and Qualifications

Must possess a passion for the spiritual development of Christian youth and children and embrace the doctrine and theology of the United Methodist Church

At least one year of demonstrated experience planning, developing, coordinating, managing, and implementing appropriate ministries; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities